VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 Wood Species Used in Body Framing

What species (oak, ash, etc) did Chevrolet use for the bodies of the open cars? Some of mine looks like oak and some like maple. I expected to see white ash....... Lots of pieces to replace in my '30 Phaeton and I want to use the right stuff.

Thanks, Chip.

If you would do a search you would find that Chevrolet used "hardwood" in their Fisher Bodies. You would also find that there was not a single wood species used but what ever they had available.

I have been told ash is easier to work than oak and also a little less expensive.

Ash is as good or equal to white oak in looks and strength. Ash & oak about the same to work with by hand or machine. Both will steam bend the same. Generally white ash is a bit cheaper than oak. Ash trees in Michigan are disappearing at an alarming rate do to the Green ash borer that kills the tree. Another import from China!

Hi Chip,
In your area I'm sure you know some very good hardwood furniture carpenters. However, if I where you, I'd talk to one of the wood workers we have links to. They have been doing it for years and have patterns that are tried and true.

Did Chevrolet have the same policy as I have heard F**D practised???

He always asked his suppliers to pack and transport parts in big wooden boxes. Thereafter they were used by the factories for car floors, fire walls etc. Quite practical and efficient reuse of the materials.

:cool2:

RGWiz -- Thanks and I'm sure you're right. Problem is that none of the normal suppliers do a kit for my car, which is a phaeton. Fortunately, the wood is not too bad, and I have a good friend who is a very good woodworker with a fully outfitted shop who has agreed to do the work, but we need to know which woods are "original" so as to avoid problems. We will probably end up doing it in maple or oak if I don't hear anything more.

All the Best, Chip.

Actually most of the wood that I have removed has been popular and other species of the "softer" hardwoods. Not too much Ash, Oak or Maple. I typically use a mixture of Red Oak, Poplar and Ash. The type depends on the location. Use Oak or Ash for sills, door posts and other parts that need to have extra strength. Use Poplar for most parts that do not need to be that strong. Also depends on what I have on hand. Believe in using what I have vs. buying new stuff. Have used some skid, pallet and other pieces. May be using a bunch of Pecan if the giant tree in the side yard continues its decline. It does not have much resistance to rot but is among the strongest. Oak and mahogany are among those with more tanic acid and rot resistance.

Thanks Chip...... Makes sense and now I understand why mine seems to be a mix -- it is.

Meanwhile I've got a lead on a kit for the car...... we'll see how it works out.

Thanks to all for your advice.

All the Best, Chip.

I believe that Ralph McEowen in Ohio makes wood for your car.

:) :grin:

Thanks.... I'll give him a call.

All the Best, Chip.

Here is a small Swedish company with more than 200 patterns for 20 - 30ties cars, for making the inside wood to the bodies and the wood for the tops, and not only Chevy's:

http://www.mastergarage.nu/edlunds_eng.htm

I don't think they have the corresponding drawings, unfortunately. :cry:

Thanks, Solan. Meanwhile, I've found the wood kit for my car from Ralph McEowen -- just as JYD suggested.

All the Best, Chip.

I checked Internet and here is the link to Ralph:

http://members.aol.com/__121b_C1hM9RRMULokTf3oLXsjanojrTVMVyBvS1DEOMsKsezqbQbaGiN0rA==

I will put it on CCON's own membership page too.

The phone# on Ralph's web site is correct, however his e-mail has changed.